What is the maximum building height allowed in RH-3?

The height limit is 40.00 feet. Additional conditions may apply based on slope or special overlays.

How do I calculate the allowed building size under FAR rules?

Multiply your lot size by the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.80 to get your max allowable floor area.

What is the required rear yard in RH-3?

You need at least 15.00 feet at the rear of your property.

Can I build an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) in this zone?

Yes. ADUs are permitted in RH-3. Refer to the latest state and local ADU guidelines for placement and design standards.

California > San Francisco County > San Francisco > RH-3

RH-3 (Residential, House Districts, Three-Family)

San Francisco, California

Jump to Zoning Use Permissions

Basic Information

Zone Type	Residential
Code Section	209.1
Code URL	View Code

Dimensional Standards

Max Height (ft)	40.00
Height Notes	Height sculpting on Alleys per § 261.1.

Density

Min Units per Lot	3.00
Base Density (sqft/unit)	1000.00
Max Density (sqft/unit)	1000.00
Density Notes	Three units per lot, or up to one unit per 1,000 square feet of lot area.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR)	1.80

Setbacks

Front Setback Notes	Required. Based on the front setback of the adjacent property with the shortest front setback or if subject property has a Legislated Setback. When front setback is based on adjacent properties, in no case shall the required setback be greater than 10 feet.
Rear Setback (ft)	15.00
Rear Setback Notes	30% of lot depth, but in no case less than 15 feet.
Side Setback Notes	Not Required

Parking

Parking Notes	Maximum permitted per § 151.

Usable Open Space

Private Open Space (sqft/unit)	100
Common Open Space (sqft/unit)	133

ADU and SB9 Eligibility

ADU Allowed	Yes
ADU Notes	Construction of Accessory Dwelling Units may be permitted pursuant to Sections 207.1 and 207.2.

Example and Description

Detailed Description	These Districts have many similarities to RH-2 Districts, but structures with three units are common in addition to one-family and two-family houses. The predominant form is large flats rather than apartments, with lots 25 feet wide, a fine or moderate scale, and separate entrances for each unit. Building styles tend to be varied but complementary to one another. Outdoor space is available at ground level, and also on decks and balconies for individual units. Nonresidential uses are more common in these areas than in RH-2 Districts.

Detailed Description

These Districts have many similarities to RH-2 Districts, but structures with three units are common in addition to one-family and two-family houses. The predominant form is large flats rather than apartments, with lots 25 feet wide, a fine or moderate scale, and separate entrances for each unit. Building styles tend to be varied but complementary to one another. Outdoor space is available at ground level, and also on decks and balconies for individual units. Nonresidential uses are more common in these areas than in RH-2 Districts.

Zoning Use Permissions

P = Permitted

C = Conditional

NP = Not Permitted

Use Category	Permission Type	Notes
Agricultural Uses	C
Agriculture, Industrial	NP
Agriculture, Neighborhood	P
Automotive Uses	NP
Awning	P	P for Limited Commercial Uses and Limited Corner Commercial Uses per § 136.1 only; otherwise NP.
Canopy or Marquee	NP
Child Care Facility	P
Community Facility	C
Entertainment, Arts and Recreation Uses	NP
Homeless Shelter	P
Hospital	C
Hotel	C	C for five or fewer guest rooms or suites of rooms; NP for six or more guest rooms.
Industrial Uses	NP
Institutional Uses	NP
Intermediate Length Occupancy	P	NP for buildings with three or fewer Dwelling Units; C for buildings with 10 or more Dwelling Units.
Internet Service Exchange	C
Mortuary	C	Must be located on a landmark site, and where the site is within a Height and Bulk District of 40 feet or less, and where a columbarium use has lawfully and continuously operated since the time of designation.
Non-Retail Sales and Service	NP
Open Recreation Area	C
Parking Garage, Private	C
Parking Lot, Private	C
Parking Lot, Public	NP
Passive Outdoor Recreation	P
Planned Unit Development	C
Post-Secondary Ed. Institution	C
Public Facilities	P
Religious Institution	C
Residential Care Facility	P
Residential Density, Group Housing	P
Retail Sales and Service Uses	NP
School	C
Single Room Occupancy	P
Student Housing	P
Utility and Infrastructure	NP
Utility Installation	C
Wireless Telecommunications Services Facility	P or C	C if a Macro WTS Facility; P if a Micro WTS Facility.